The Power of Gratitude on Purim: How the Book of Remembrance Changed Jewish Destiny

You could feel the tension in the air. A terrible fear gripped the Jewish people across the world as the sword of the wicked Haman hovered dangerously close above their heads. The decree of destruction seemed inevitable. It was only a matter of time.

And then came the turning point.

“On that night, the king’s sleep was disturbed, and he ordered that the Book of Remembrances, the chronicles, be brought and read before him.”

In the Megillah there are four special verses that the entire congregation proclaims aloud, after which the reader repeats them. These verses express the dramatic reversal in the fate of the Jewish people and the joy of their salvation. Among them is this verse about the king’s book of remembrance.

What was the secret power of Achashverosh’s book, and how did it bring about such a dramatic change?

Haman: The Power of Ingratitude

Haman the wicked was the architect behind the terrifying decree: “To destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, young and old, children and women, in a single day…”

Yet Haman was by nature, profoundly ungrateful. He focused constantly on what he lacked rather than on what he already possessed. He had everything a person could desire: immense wealth, extraordinary honor, and the highest position in the kingdom. Crowds bowed before him daily. He received a personal invitation to Queen Esther’s banquet. He had a family, status, and influence.

And still, one small deficiency consumed him.

Mordechai the Jew refused to bow.

“All this is worth nothing to me whenever I see Mordechai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”

In Haman’s eyes, nothing mattered anymore. Despite having everything, he felt he had nothing.

Haman represents Amalek — the embodiment of ingratitude and negativity, a symbol of the evil inclination itself. The tendency to focus on what is missing rather than on what is present, to ignore the good in our lives — this is the inner Amalek we are commanded to erase.

Where Is Haman Hidden in the Torah?

The Gemara asks: Where is Haman hinted at in the Torah?

The answer lies in the verse where God asks Adam after the sin of the Tree of Knowledge: “Hamin ha’etz — Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

In the Garden of Eden, abundance surrounded Adam and Chava. Countless beautiful trees were permitted — only one was forbidden. Yet the serpent drew their attention specifically to what they lacked.

The root of exile begins with ingratitude: focusing on the forbidden instead of appreciating the blessings already given. This same mindset appears in the sin of the spies, who saw only the negative in the Land of Israel, and it continues as a recurring spiritual challenge throughout history.

The Turning Point: The Book of Remembrance

When did Haman’s downfall begin? The moment the Book of Remembrance was opened.

When Achashverosh sought to acknowledge goodness and recognize what had been done for him, the power of Amalek — rooted in ingratitude, began to collapse. The king’s decision to look at what was good rather than what was lacking changed the course of events.

If even a flawed and distant king like Achashverosh kept a book that became the vehicle for Jewish salvation, how much greater is the power of a Jewish “book of remembrance” — a personal record of gratitude to God?

The Power of Personal Gratitude

Remembering God’s kindness is itself a Torah value. Rabbi Shalom Arush teaches a powerful and practical idea: keep a notebook and write down the kindnesses and salvations that God performs in your life. Simply acknowledge and thank Him for every detail.

As he writes: “One who does this will first and foremost be filled with joy, because they will discover that their life is overflowing with Divine kindness. And secondly, they will begin to see more and more miracles and wonders.”

Gratitude transforms perspective. Instead of living with the mindset of Haman by focusing on lack, a person begins to see abundance, purpose, and hope.

Writing a New Story

Take a notebook.

Begin writing down the good in your life.

Rejoice.
Give thanks.
Erase the inner Amalek.

Through gratitude, a person can live with deeper faith, greater joy, and a stronger connection to God.

May we all merit to live lives filled with appreciation, faith, and love.